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Listening is perhaps the most important part of learning a second language for foreign learners. (Rubin & Thompson/ 1994) suggests that listening give more input for learners to stimulate learning and teaching listening exercises to attract the learners’ attention to the new language they are learning. Listening has been regarded as a necessary skill in preparing foreign language students in language achievement. It is believed to be the main role in foreign language learning. While listening is known to be the best way of learning a foreign language, there are disadvantages as every teaching technique has its good and bad sides to teaching and learning. Underwood (1994) stated that there were seven difficulties in listening comprehension, the speed at which the speaker is speaking, short vocabulary, recognizing symbols, interpretation, concentration and learning habits. The speed at which the speaker is speaking is thought to be the greatest difficulty from the seven mentioned. When teaching your students be sure to speak slowly, maybe pause to make sure they understand (use signs to help) before continuing to the next phrase. Vocabulary is difficult for the foreign learner to comprehend and master thoroughly. To give the learner a better understanding he/she must first learn the most frequently used vocabulary for real-life needs, such as ordering food, using public transportation or business vocabulary. Using words that sound similar can present a difficulty as well as people of English speaking countries that use different terms, slang, accent, and grammar. A Great tool to master vocabulary for the learner is to use an English dictionary to help present a better understanding. Interpretation of the second language has a do with the native language of the learner. It is tiring for the learner to concentrate on interpreting new sounds, words, and sentences. For example, if you are teaching in a busy city close to the street and you are trying to play a cassette, movie or cd, it causes the learner to misinterpret what is being said. Concentration can be derived from many different situations. The learner could be having family problems making him/her unable to concentrate on the task at hand. Class content may be undesirable, unable to understand the teacher’s accent/pronunciation. The learner may just need a motivational boost to get back on track. Ways to target this would be to not stay on the same activity for too long or possibly change the accent of the song or narrator. Learning habits are the mechanism that can power your success or hinder it. The learner may remember his/her lessons in class throughout the course but if it is not used outside the classroom it is likely to be forgotten fairly quickly. Everything learned in the classroom must be practiced to form a habit of using the English language which is hard for some students as they may be the only one in their community that is studying English. Technology today is ever-changing. The styles and strategies of the way students learn are changing as well. The internet can be the greatest tool today to combat the difficulties of listening and second language learning such as friends texting using a translate app to practice and make a habit of using both their native language to get a better understanding of using the English language. Music is also trending with subtitle translations that all generations can now understand. Overall Listening (though still having difficulties) is still one of the most popular teaching methods for foreign language learners.
